Frank Darabont on shortlist to direct Snow White And The Huntsman 2

Gavin O'Connor also thought to be in the mix

Universal looks to be stepping things up on production for Snow White And The Huntsman 2 , with a couple of heavyweight names being linked to the vacant directorial hotseat.

According to Deadline , Frank Darabont and Gavin O'Connor are currently heading up Universal's wish-list, with the studio keen to make an appointment in the coming weeks.

The other name being bandied around is that of newcomer Andres Muschietti, who recently dropped out of the studio's reboot of The Mummy , citing creative differences.

Despite being perceived as something of a disappointment among critics, the first film still managed to gross $400 million at the global box office, making it a hit, despite the $170 million production costs.

Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth are both slated to return for round two, which has tentatively been pencilled in for a release date some time in 2016.